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Schemmel completes 112-mile memorial bike ride

Schemmel completes 112-mile memorial bike ride

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By Thomas Harding
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MLB.com |

DENVER -- Rockies radio broadcaster Jerry Schemmel showed up at Coors Field stiff-legged but fulfilled Friday as he prepared to broadcast the game against the Cubs on KOA 850 AM and the Rockies Radio Network.

Schemmel completed a 112-mile bike ride to honor each of the 112 people who lost their lives in the United Airlines Flight 232 crash in Sioux City, Iowa, on July 19, 1989. Schemmel survived the crash and crawled back into the wreckage to save an 11-month-old baby.

"This is the 24th anniversary of the crash, and I did the bike ride today for the fifth or sixth year," said Schemmel, who had cycled competitively. "From my home [in Littleton, Colo.,] to a spot in Colorado Springs, it's 66 miles. It's a nice route, and I take the back roads.

"The first half was good. It was around 70 degrees. The last three hours were a little rough. It kept getting hotter. I was slow, but I made it."